The rink improvements are part of the wider redevelopment of the Leisure Plaza part of Milton Keynes, which includes a major supermarket and retail units.
MK Lightning are set to play their first match at the new Planet Ice this autumn. The club has also backed the Milton Keynes Ice Hockey Academy, which aims to develop the ice hockey stars of the future and promote the sport to both participants and supporters.
MK Lightning general manager Vito Rausa said:”The refurbishment in some ways came at a bad time for us – we had fantastic attendances towards the end of our last season at the Thunderdome.
“Anyone who came to matches in the second half of that season will remember the sheer wall of noise whenever we scored and what an amazing match night atmosphere we had.”
National brands including David Lloyd, the Campanile hotel chain and Northgate have already agreed to back MK Lightning’s return home.
Mr Rausa said: “We know from our social media activity that our supporters are eagerly following the progress of the rink and can’t wait to see the team back on home ice.
“We are anticipating a lot of interest in the new facility and the team’s return after a year away, and our PR and sponsorship team is working hard to make the most of it.
“This is a one-off opportunity for businesses to take advantage of the interest in Lightning coming home and join national brands like Northgate, David Lloyd and Campanile Hotels by investing in the Lightning – and enjoy Premier League brand exposure – but not at Premiership prices!”
Sponsorship packages are available to suit a wide range of budgets; for full details call Dave Bunyan on 07958 453425 or email mklightning.marketing@gmail.com
- Milton Keynes Lightning is one of the most successful senior ice hockey teams in the UK having won five trophies in its 12-year history.
The 2014-15 season will see the Club return to its refurbished home, the Planet Ice Arena in Milton Keynes, and also become a key element of the newly-formed Milton Keynes Ice Hockey Academy.
Coached by respected Canadian Nick Poole, the Lightning compete in the English Premier League and can boast a wealth of players with international experience at all levels.
